Ask Vengeance at Last

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

With Trodai’s agreement, Caerllion had guided the Pureblood toward the spaceport where he had landed his ship. The place wasn’t big, but was the best that the Annfyn could find on this entire planet. Rattatak was a piece of trash, being no surprise that they could barely fulfill their trade agreement with Annwfyn.

Once inside the ship, Caerllion removed his helmet and would leave Trodai at the tv room. Located there was the sofa where some time ago Azar had sat as if he owned the entire place. Well, for the Annfyn, he would always own the place like a king. “Are you allergic to seafood?” he asked the Pureblood, while walking toward the kitchen. “I’ll make some shrimp linguine if you aren't.”

Some would question why Caerllion was going to make a relatively fancy diner if he didn’t want to impress Azar. The fact was that the Annfyn would always eat fancy food when he cooked for himself. However, if he had to make food only for Trodai, a soup with some meat and vegetables would be enough for him.

In the case of Trodai being allergic to seafood, the soup would be what he would receive.

At the kitchen, the Annfyn cooked the noodles in a pot of hot chicken broth, to give it more flavor. Then he sauteéd the shrimp with garlic, sage butter and white wine, deglazing the pan with the wine so all the flavor would be focused on the shrimp.

Once the noodles were done, he went to the plating. First went the noodles with some herbs, then the shrimps followed. He added whipping cream over it with parmesan. To finish, Caerllion spread lemon juice, salt and pepper. Satisfied with the result, the Annfyn set the table for them to eat.

When Trodai was seated in front of him, Caerllion decided that it was a good time for a conversation. “So, you never told me what happened to you when you got that horrible appearance some months ago.” now the Pureblood seemed to be back to the appearance that he used to have when he was his apprentice. “What happened?”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai followed Caerllio n to the spaceport, noting how it wasn't that large but compared to some of what he had seen it was better than nothing. It certainly smelt better too. Once inside the ship, he too removed his helmet and allowed himself to breathe a bit more and relax now the task was done. And so he was a bit more casual even if cautious, afterall they were still Sith.

There were limitations to the trust they had.

He took a brief look around, noting the opulence. Much like his new ship, it had the fittings of nobility and wealth about it. He actually rather liked it. When asked if he was allergic to seafood, Trodai shook his head "Not that I know of. It sounds delightful I can't wait to try it"

He said, observing the surroundings a little more and noticing the unique intricacies and little touches that his former master had. As he waited, he couldn't help but smell some.of.what was coming from the kitchen and his stomach starting making noises. In the end he couldn't resist and had to take a look, he hoped he didn't surprise Caerllion too much and startle him during making it.

He spoke up as he moved on through the doorway and peered in.

"It smells fantastic." He mentioned "so where did you learn to cook?" he said curious.

When seated after, he spoke again "it looks great." his expression changed slightly as the question came. As if he were somewhat ashamed of those events and who he had been. Which he was in some ways. He took a brief bite before speaking after he had swallowed it. It tasted devine.

"A series of most unfortunate events and my own arrogance." he said "Karys was the cause of my condition, he drained me with the Dark Side at the battle of Murzana, which I'm sure you may have heard bits about." he continued "My own fault really for a series of foolish errors. Which I paid for dearly and since redeemed myself from. I was a different man then than I am now. In my new form I learnt the lessons needed to become stronger as a person and a Sith." He would say no more on it. He didn't need to know the full details, only be had been the cause of his own misfortune and since remedied the situation. Had grown stronger for it. "And what of you?" he asked.

"You disappeared for a long while. What happened to you?"

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Unless he really wanted to sneak around, Trodai wasn’t going to surprise Caerllion. With his keen hearing, the Annfyn was able to listen to the Pureblood’s steps as he approached the kitchen. “When I was part of the Imperial army, I learned that knowing how to cook was a necessity.” he said, his eyes not leaving the shrimp that was being sauteéd in the pan. “It isn’t always that there is a place around where you can eat and you accepting things offered by strangers in a war zone isn’t clever. If you want to eat, cook it by yourself.”

The Annfyn noticed how Trodai’s mood changed with his question. It was no surprise, Caerllion expected that it would be a sensible point for the Pureblood. After all, becoming a husk of your former self must be a traumatic event. While the red-skinned man mustered courage to talk about it, the Sith Master retrieved a bottle of wine for them.

Obviously, it wasn’t as expensive as the one that he had offered to Azar. These were reserved to special occasions.

Caerllion swirled his glass around while Trodai explained what had happened. He had heard about Murzana, perhaps more than the red-skinned man thought that he had. Since he realized his feelings for Azar, the Annfyn had taken an interest in learning about the Sith Worlds and Arcanos’ rise to power. He thought that this way he could find ways of helping the man increase his power and show respect to his culture.

Maybe even cook some Pureblood food, even if it wasn't really that much attractive for the Annfyn. He would make that sacrifice for Azar. Caerllion used to hate seafood, but now could eat them. The same could happen with this type of food.

Among the things that he heard were very interesting whispers from Murzana. They tell about a Pureblood that nearly betrayed his allies, but was punished by Karys. Caerllion suspected that it had been his ex-apprentice due to his condition, but wasn’t sure of it. After what he said, the Annfyn pretty much had the confirmation.

He wondered how dumb Trodai could be to piss off Karys and even more to betray Azar. He was one of his lovers, how could he throw it away so easily? If it happened now, Caerllion would have presented his ex-apprentice to some of his more dangerous bio-weapons, so close that they would become ‘acquaintances’. He would not die in the process, but would be enough for a message to stick.

Never betrays Azar.

At least he seemed to have learned his lesson. Once again Caerllion said nothing about what he knew and what he would do for Azar, eating calmly while his ex-apprentice finished his story. Then it was time for himself to answer a question. “I had been busy doing my experiments. I made some new bioweapons and Sith spawn that can be useful to the Order to strike fear in our enemies.” he conveniently omitted the fact that he had genetic samples of an exalted and was trying to find ways of tracking the forge where Raze had made them. “Are you doing something interesting these days?”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai knew he wouldn't surprise Caerllion as he approached the kitchen. He saw no need to try anyways, there was no point when both would hear the other. He listened, nodding. In some ways it was similar to his own upbringing, at least in terms of the training method. The Masssassi Akoge taught him much as did travelling the galaxy.

"I learnt this too, during my Maassasi Akoge, the training is similar I would think. Brutal and unforgiving to the weak, where only the strongest made it. We were forced into stealing and fighting for food if we couldn't catch anything, less we starve. To get caught was to endure brutal punishments. And once we had it, it was upon us to learn to cook it." he recalled it, this was probably the first time Caerllion had perhaps heard of this element of his life before the Sith. He wondered what his ally might make of it.

As Caerllion swirled his glass during the following comments about Murzana, and he explained, Trodai noted his expressions. He had a feeling the man knew more than he let on, it wouldn't surprise him. Afterall he was meticulous, and always did his research when he wanted to check something. And so Trodai attempted to disway any doubt about betrayal. A element he was sure, a rumour he had also likely found out if he had dug as suspected.

"I know that look. It's not like you might think...if you know what I think you do. No matter what people might say or any rumours, at no point did I betray my king nor would I."

He said no more on it, it was bad enough it was brought up to begin with. He was no longer than man, he was wiser, stronger. He had learnt his lesson as he said and redeemed himself so far. He would continue to learn and improve himself, getting stronger as he carried out his ambitions. Even as he served his king in whatever manner he desired.

As was the Sith way. To get stronger for the lessons and remove the weaknesses from themselves.

As the subject of what they were up to now came up, his mood improved. This was the sort of thing he preferred to discuss. Not his past mistakes. As Caerllion mentioned what he had been up to, he found it fascinating.

"Interesting. I can't wait to see them in the field, it's about time our enemies truly suffered for what they have done to us." he said before the subject turned to his own machinations. He likewise limited certain details of what he was doing, afterall they were allies...but also Sith. And no Sith could be fully trusted even those considered an ally, he had learnt that particular lesson well.

"You could say that. I have been restored as Regent of Ur and managed two unite two previously warring Houses under one banner in the city back home. No easy task when one was being a insulting, pompous, uptight jerk. This has allowed access to Pyromancer Sorcerers and Poison specialists and the ability to sow descent among our enemies with mind manipulation from Priest-Kings." he said, not hiding his disdain for the man, Ragnos after the way he had treated him when they first met. Until he was cowled and now served as advisor, but it didn't mean he had to like him.

"I also have a upcoming project upon Cularin soon, if your interested to recruit some cults to the Order. Powerful ones and favour the Order and the Sith. Could be something for us both there among a limited few others." he said nothing as to who they were, he would find out soon enough if he agreed to assist. Or researched the planet himself, but Trodai wasn't going to reveal all he was doing and what he wanted the cults for.

Afterall every Sith had secrets they did not wish to share. And Caerllion was no different he suspected.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion listened to Trodai’s explanation, while sipping some of his wine. The Sith species seems to have a good way of separating the weak from the strong. While his time in the military didn’t require him to steal food from others, it had its own way of being brutal. The bombs, seeing soldiers being exploded in several pieces, crawling through dangerous swamps and fighting against flamethrowers wasn’t a walk in the park.

The Annfyn raised an eyebrow when his ex-apprentice started to babble excuses about his actions in Murzana. He lowered his glass, his eyes never leaving Trodai’s face. “I said nothing.” it was amusing that the Pureblood was able to notice that Caerllion was looking at him with some distrust. “But I’m glad that you aren’t going to allow it to happen again, for your sake.” there is too much relief on it as there was a threat.

He would kill Trodai himself if he betrayed Azar, even if he greatly respected his ex-apprentice.

Trodai’s explanations about his next plans left Caerllion interested. He noticed that the Pureblood wasn’t saying everything, but it didn’t annoy him. His ex-apprentice was learning to think before talking too much. “I’m interested in helping you with the cults. Call me when you go on this mission and perhaps we can impress them with one of my creatures.”

Once they finished the food and the Annfynw washed the dishes, Caerllion would put the datachip in his computer allowing them to see the data that they had collected. “Let’s see what the prime-minister had collected about the Queen.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai noted how Caerllion or dandelion as he had nicknamed his former master as a apprentice, as a form of banter and joke between the two, strong until this day, listened at his description. Appearing to at least at a glance approve of his upbringing and the brutal results of which he was apart. Having come out strong. He also noted the raised eyebrow when he offered an attempted explanation. It wasn't meant as an excuse but he could how someone might perceive it that way.

Although he said nothing, he knew he was thinking it. And allowed a slight smile at least at his approval for not allowing it to happen again. No he wouldn't, he refused too. This stronger version was him now. Although nothing www said he knew enough to know he was distrusted because of it. But hopefully his actions of late had some effect to change perceptions.

As he spoke of his plans for Cularin, Trodai allowed a smile. It pleased him that Caerllion would accept, it would be after a boon. Especially as he said with the addition of a animal, and familiar to impress either the witches or the sorcerers. He suspected the witches more. "Excellent, I'll let you know in due time." he said. Once the food was finished Trodai commented upon it "Having not tried it before, that was great. You are a astounding chef."

Trodai wasn't one to not repay a meal like that and so he elected to help with the dishes. He might have been nobility but he had washed dishes now and again and cooked meals, he wasn't a total snob or slouch. He did things himself. Once they were done and back in the other room, Trodai nodded following dandelion to his computer. He too was interested in what they might soon discover.

"Yes. If his been doing this as long as you think, we should hit the jackpot and be able to easily expose him."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Thank you! I’m happy that you appreciated it.” Caerllion smiled, still impressed that Trodai didn’t notice the reason why he had made this type of seafood for them. When he was his apprentice, the Annfyn used to call the Pureblood as ‘shrimp’ during their arguments. Mostly due to the fact that he had red-skin and because of the irony of the man being so large while the crustacean was tiny.

With Trodai next to him, Caerllion opened the archives about the Queen. At first he found out the basics: her daily schedule, her close friends, what she used to do during her free time and other things that he couldn’t use. The Annfyn was feeling disappointed until he discovered a subfile called Eridian Charmox.

The name wasn’t strange to him and, after thinking about it, Caerllion remembered that this man had been ambassador of Corellia to Annwfyn several years ago. Curious, he opened the file and started to read it. His eyes widened with what he discovered, before he burst with laughter. It was a completely maniacal one.

“Look at that!” he showed the computer screen to Trodai. “It seems that my dear grandaunt had an affair with a human. And if it wasn’t enough, she had a son with him, but was clever enough to dump the kid in an orphanage. It means that somewhere in the Galaxy there is a bastard prince.” he wasn’t much concerned with this half-breed coming to claim the throne. His people would never accept him, they would prefer the Sith. “I think that I already know how to force the Queen out of the throne.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai could seethe smile as he praised the food, it felt like old times at that moment. Before everything got so complicated. At first he didn't see the irony of the meal, but then it started to make sense and he tried hard to surprise a chuckle at the realisation. Crafty devil. As the two stood next to the computer and Caerllio n went through the information, Trodai watched like a hawk.

Where business was concerned he was all ears.

He took note of the schedules, everything of value untouched came across something that seemed to have caught to Annwfyn eye. This peaked Trodai interest, and so he enquired about it "Eridian Charmox. Looks like this could be interesting. Let's dig deeper." and so they did finding something very interesting and of use. Although seeing Caerllion laugh like that was a little unnerving, even after all this time. Only when he got really excited.

"Sounds familiar." he said, in a similar way something had occurred with Mjan. He wondered where he was after all this time, he hadn't seen him in a few years now. It was probably for the best though considering how they left each other and events since. Listening, Trodai spoke up "Oh and now is that? I'm all ears." he said, smiling and glad they found something.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”I’ll force the Queen to leave the throne by using what I discovered about her past.” he scrolled down the information in the computer. “According to that, she is aware of the prime-minister's corruption, but did nothing because he was blackmailing her with this secret.”

Suddenly he wondered if Gwendolyn had discovered about the politician's involvement in his mother’s death, but never acted because she was afraid of all the Annfyn people learning that she had a bastard child. This thought made rage rise inside Caerllion, with his eyes flashing red briefly.

He controlled himself, before turning to look at Trodai. “Are your sorcerers capable of making maddening poisons? I’ll arrange for it to be given to the Queen until she is incapable of ever dreaming to rule again. Then, I’ll hunt my dear cousin, so he’ll never be able to have any claim to the throne.” he closed the computer and rose from his seat.

“Prepare yourself, we are going to Annwfyn. I think that is time to visit my aunt.” he walked toward the cockpit. Things were going to change soon enough.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened as Caerllion explained his plan to ascend the throne of Annwfyn. And how the queen was complicit or blackmailed...falling to her own weakness and not doing what a monarch should. Destroy her rival and kill him, prove her strength to her people. But instead she chose fear and subservience. It made him only feel contempt for the woman.

At being asked if the Sorcerers of Korriban could make a maddening poison, he smirked. Such a thing was child's play, especially to his mother. He would ask her personally, it would make it more potent. "They can. Lady Narat, my mother is the most accomplished of the poisoners, I shall seek her assistance. I shall however need at least 3 days for her to prepare it."

he allowed a smile at being told they were to visit Caerllion homeworld. In truth he was quite excited and curious, he and never been there. And yet the job came first, perhaps they could explore afterwards.

"Excellent. I think there is about to be a death in the family." he said with a sinister smile and a little laugh.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Oh, we aren't going to kill someone. At least not today.” Caerllion explained to Trodai, while they walked inside the cockpit of the ship. “I want to make the Queen step down to avoid the shame of hiding corruption. If it went to the tabloids, public opinion about her would go down.”

“You have time. I don’t want the Queen to become mad so suddenly. It'll be gradual.” the Annfyn said, while starting the ship. “It would be suspicious. This needs to be done as if it was something natural.” watching the descent into madness of his grandaunt would be more pleasant than simply killing her. It would be poetic, given how she allowed the corrupt prime-minister to fester for too long.

The ship left the spaceport, rising toward the atmosphere. Caerllion contemplated how strange it was for him to feel so calm with the fact that he was plotting to make his own aunt go mad. She was probably one of the few nobles that were decent in his homeworld. However, he was now only caring for the fulfillment of his ascension to power. Anyone between him and the throne would be eliminated.

He wondered when he started to see things this way.

While the ship jumped in the hyperspace, Caerllion looked at Trodai out of the corner of the eye. The Pureblood had been his appearance and they had gone through a lot together. He knew that he could trust the other. However, a part of him, with the same reasoning that made him try to manipulate Ayomi during that party, was compelling him to be careful. To not reveal his opinions and real intentions, to feed him with the minimum.

To be more Sith.

Caerllion wanted to ignore it, but the fact that it was apparent that Trodai wasn’t telling him everything, seemed to justify him doing the same. “I'll send a message to the Queen, asking for an emergency meeting with her.” he said, deciding to forget about his thoughts.

The trip didn’t take much time, given how close Rattatak was from Annwfyn. His aunt had invited him to a tea party in her palace. “You need to stay dressed in armor with the helmet on. I don't want to have her be suspicious with your presence.” he explained to Trodai, while guiding the Pureblood to the guest room. However, he stopped in front of the door, turning to look at his ex-apprentice. “Thank you for helping me with it. When everything ends, I'll see how I can reward you more. Until then, thank you, Shrimp.” he smirked, before walking away.

It was now or never.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened almost disappointed. Shame. He would have liked too. Walking inside the cockpit he continued to listen as Caerllion outlined his plan. An additional idea came to mind to further help turn public opinion against her. He made the suggestion as his former master finished speaking.

"Perhaps we can further help with that. Convince the tabloids or persuade them to work for our agenda, use false allegations and all that to further help public opinion turn about her. Or plant evidence to suggest she was more complicit than is the truth and conveniently have press turn up. Force her into a position she has no hope to recover from."

As the ship took off, he went to the hologram display and made a call to his mother. She was happy to see him back to his normal self and overjoyed. After pleasantries, he explained what he needed and she agreed to it. All he needed to do was collect it when the time came it was ready to use. As he shut it down he noticed the slight look he got and wondered what Caerllion was thinking. His gut and the Force told him regardless of how they had a mutual respect and understanding, that he could not be fully trusted. At least not with some things. After All they were still both Sith and manipulation and hiding secrets was all part of what they were.

Each had secrets they were unwilling to tell.

They had to make a quick stop before the planet to get to a safehouse and retrieve some old mercenary armour but it didn't take long. He was soon back and dressed ready to play his part albeit cautiously. His lightsaber remained well hidden. And instead Trodai opted to hold a heavy blaster to sell the facade. For it was all a great masquerade.

"Think nothing of it, call it a favour. One to be repaid when you help me." He considered the reward "Perhaps you can thank me with a additional lesson, something you never taught me before. I would consider it ample payment. Think nothing of it...dandelion." he said with his own smirk.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

A large smile appeared on Caerllion’s lips when he heard Trodai’s plan. “You have a very devious mind, Shrimp. I really like it, with her public opinion down, no one will want her in the throne anymore.” he turned to look at expansion of the space beyond the window. “Sometimes destroying someone's life is far more sweet than killing them. Their suffering will last until the day that death claims them. I’ll contact a tabloid.”

Their stop to retrieve Trodai’s armor was fast and they soon resumed their trip. Caerllion thought back to when he saw the Pureblood talking with his mother. He didn’t stay here to spy, having only presented himself to her and explained his motives. The rest was left to the red-skinned man to resolve.

He laughed when Trodai used the nickname that he had given to him. Caerllion didn’t mind their bickering when there were only the two of them. He even called the Pureblood as Shrimp in these moments. However, he wasn’t going to tolerate it when they were in public dealing with other Sith.

Trodai knew that.

“I’ll teach you a spell that allows you to confuse your enemies. It’s simple enough to be used with the standard Sith sorcery.” he explained, while the ship slowly descended in the spaceport. Once it had landed, Caerllion would leave the ship and enter a speeder that was already waiting for them.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai issued a smirk in return. Glad he was proving useful, where he proved his worth and he was not a liability, and this was one of them times. He thought perhaps he should try a similar approach upon his own rival. He would have to wait and see. He almost subconsciously touched the new robotic eye underneath the armour, he had it since his stupid decision to taunt his rival, Ayomi after having they're heart torn out. A reminder to be better and this was in a way, a step towards that. By proving first to Caerllion he could still be trusted, that the man he knew was still inside and just needed a reawakening.

He was curious though as to what he thought of his mother. Lady Narat, The Spider of Korriban.

He recalled the nickname Shrimp. Knowing of late he had lived up to the name, and he was seeking to change it. To really take the advice he had given to heart. Not just for his sake but for Azar and his people too. And so he harboured the rage, the wrath and contempt for his rivals and used it to assist Caerllion as was needed in this particular endeavour. To be the Sith he wished to be and had to be. That he knew he was.

He chuckled as Caerllion did, enjoying these rare moments of humour between them. He knew the arrangement, it was a private joke between just them and he would keep it that way. He was being extra cautious after the events at the social gathering. Not wanting to make any stupid and foolish mistakes. And he hoped he wouldn't. He couldn't afford any. Beneath the helmet he smiled slightly at the prospect of learning a new technique, ever keen to learn more when he could. Indeed he wanted to improve, to evolve and not become what some thought him as.

Following closely behind Caerllion, Trodai marvelled briefly at the various architecture and sights, the people, as he passed them on the way to the landspeeder waiting for them. He opened the door for his ally first, not wanting to be impolite and soon took a seat beside him.

"The city is impressive. One of these days I shall have to pay a more through visit, once you are restored to the throne. You shall be a great king in your own right I foresee." he said, responding with a genuine compliment. Although he knew time would tell.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Thank you.” Caerllion said, while looking through the window of the speeder. Sometimes he wondered if the Pureblood was sincere with his compliments or only being a sycophant. Whatever the answer was, the Annfyn would not question him. Sometimes a good sycophant could reach long distances. They only needed to know the right moment to act.

The speeder stopped at the entrance of the royal palace. Caerllion always felt impressed by it. The building was the oldest in Annwfyn, but due to the perfect maintenance made through the centuries, it remained as if it was built recently. “Come, I want to finish it before the day ends.” he gestured to Trodai, before leaving the vehicle.

His orders to the Pureblood were clear. He must remain in silence, only talking when asked. In no way he should talk with the Queen, not because it would be offensive. Gwendolyn could be many things, but she loved to talk with outsiders to know things from other planets. The reason for Trodai to remain in silence was because his ex-apprentice had a serious problem in being economical with his words. He could end up saying something stupid.

Once they were at the door of the palace, two guards walked out and guided them to the room where the Queen was waiting for them. It was one of her tea rooms, with large windows that allowed the sun to enter and golden leaves were carved in the walls. She was already seated at a table, tea and sweets over it.

“Hello, my queen.” Caerllion bowed to her and expected Trodai to do the same. He immediately sat in the chair opposite to her. “We need to talk about the prime minister.” her smile immediately died out.

So begins.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Despite what Caerllion thought he was being sincere. Although he knew there might have been some doubt about it considering everything. As the speeder stopped, he marvelled at the palace, it's splendour reminding a bit of the palace in the city of Ur. His own palace. He could see how some shapes were similar and yet completely different. He wondered how old it actually was. Centuries of millennia? Older than the city of Ur? It was a curiosity as was the secrets it potentially held.

Trodai nodded as he followed the Sith Master, shutting the speeder door behind him.

He remembered what he had been told, to remain silent and he woukd. He was a guest here and would act accordingly. To show how he had changed and was not the same. In his role, he followed beside Caerllion, looking intimidating in his mercenary armour, and wielding a blaster. Yet his lightsaber was always there, hidden away. Just in case. As the doors opened and they went throhgh, Trodao saw more breathtakingly sights.

The inside more beautiful than outside.

He noted how it wasn't a throne room they entered but a few room. What was most curious, they just have arrived at tea. He noted possible escape routes, how many guards and what he could potentially use should be need too if things got messy. Not that they would, but He would be prepared just in case. There was no telling how the Queen would react to the news she was about to be 'replaced '.

He doubted she would like it and wouldn't want too go willingly at first. Which was why they had prepared the leverage to convince her, it was in her best interests. The alternative was a more lethal solution. As Caerllion bowed, Trodai responded in kind, with a curt bow as he was practiced with. As nobility himself it was a common practice and he was well versed. Under the helmet, he observed and saw as the Queen while initially smiling, had her smile disappear just as quickly when the mention of the prime minister came up. It was clear she didn't like where this discussion was going to go. Trodai simply took note, observed and fed upon her current feelings. Her apprehension and fear of what might be said, of what was to come.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

During the past hours, Caerllion told the Queen about everything that he found out about the prime-minister. From his acts of corruption to his participation in the assassination of his mother. Gwendolyn was caught by surprise with the last one, meaning that she didn’t know this part of the story. However, she remained very calm with the rest.

While he talked to her, the Princeling also showed the proof in his datapad. Obviously, it was a copy. When she asked how he had obtained all that, Caerllion told her that an anonymous source had leaked it to him after he had investigated rumors about the prime-minister’s relation with the pirates.

Once she finished, Gwendolyn calmly put the datapad on the table. Then, she turned to look at her grandnephew. “You want me to remove him.” the Queen said, not being even a question. “And you want me to step down because when it becomes public, my image will be damaged.” this made Caerllion a bit surprised. The Queen raised an eyebrow. “What? If you found all that, then you already know that he was blackmailing me and what he was using for it. And you plan to blackmail me.” she slowly drank her tea.

“I’m not stupid. I know that you always were ambitious, dear. And smart, smarter than your cousin. I would have left the throne for you anyway.” she placed her cup on the table, before looking at Caerllion’s eyes. “I’ll exonerate the prime-minister and start an investigation. Then, I’ll announce my renunciation. All that will be divulged in the holonet simultaneously. Including the fact that I had a half-blooded child. It's time for me to pay for the sin of having abandoned them.” she tapped in the datapad. She was so calm that the Princeling felt astonished.

“I’m tired of all that. Of needing to nod to everything that this man wants because of something that I did in my past. Perhaps I’ll finally rest when I'm no longer Queen.” she said, as if having heard his thoughts. “Now, I wish good luck for you by taking over that den of wolves, nephew. Or as I should say now, king.” Gwendolyn rose from her seat and walked toward the exit of the room.

Caerllion never saw his aunt so tired, so defeated. However, there was a bit of relief here too. As if she finally had left a burden that had been consuming her. He took a deep breath, before turning to look at Trodai. “I’ll send it to the tabloids. I think that things went better than I expected.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai remained impassive during the exchange, as he simply observed the talks. It was not his business, he was here to keep an eye on things and act if it went sour. A insurance policy of sorts. He found some of what was discussed of interest, such as the fact she seemed to already know somewhat this day was coming. He guessed it probably wasn't too surprising, she seemed smart enough, but it did make him curious what else she knew. Did she know what they were and represented.

Time would tell.

Inside the mask, Trodai contorted his face slightly in disgust as she caved so easily to the two. She didn't even stand up for herself and fight for her believes, what she had gained. To not even compromise or make a deal. Willingly handing it over and buckling. It spoke of her weakness. she looked defeated and weak too. Not just with age, he could feel her strain in the Force. Her shame and need to rest. And yet he felt nothing. He was Sith. All he could see was why she had to be removed, one way to another. It made him think about his own position, he wasn't going to be like her. He would be more valuable.

As Caerllion turned to him, he issued a brief bow. "Most excellent, she will not recover even if she wanted. the press will destroy her and her reputation. They did go far easier than expected. It's almost...disappointing she didn't resist you more." he replied "Regardless, I guess I shall have to get used to calling you, Your Majesty." he replied again with a quick joke. Yet also serious, he would respect Caerllion new title just as much as Azar. For he was a king in his own right now. Whether that was a good or bad thing for the Order he imagined they would all soon see. It was a interesting prospect.

Either way he was glad he had proven useful. That he wasn't what people thought of him. He was not a liability but a useful asset. Worthy of his gains.

@LouJoVi

/EndThread